By William Emily l Date: May 8, 2026
The Federal Government has commenced arrangements to evacuate Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa following renewed xenophobic protests and rising hostility against foreign nationals in parts of the country. The move comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa after fresh anti-migrant demonstrations erupted in cities including Durban and Johannesburg.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the development after a telephone conversation with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. According to the minister, the Nigerian government could no longer ignore what she described as the “systematic harassment and humiliation” of Nigerians resident in South Africa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that although South African authorities expressed reservations about Nigeria’s evacuation plans, Abuja remained determined to prioritize the safety of its citizens. She also condemned reported cases of extra-judicial killings involving Nigerians and called for immediate investigations and accountability for those responsible.
The minister revealed that Nigerians living in affected areas had been advised by Nigerian diplomatic missions to remain indoors and temporarily shut down businesses during demonstrations. According to her, fears among Nigerian communities have intensified due to increasingly aggressive anti-foreigner rhetoric by some political groups and protesters in South Africa.
Reuters reported earlier this week that at least 130 Nigerians in South Africa had already requested government-assisted repatriation under the emergency evacuation plan. The Nigerian government confirmed that embassies and consular officials were working closely with South African authorities to monitor the situation and assist affected citizens.
The latest tensions have also affected Nigerian children living in South Africa. Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that families reported cases of bullying and discrimination in schools, particularly against children of Nigerian and mixed Nigerian-South African heritage, sometimes referred to locally as “Sougerians.” She described the situation as deeply disturbing and capable of causing long-term psychological trauma.
South African authorities reportedly assured Nigeria that measures were being taken to discourage xenophobic behavior and protect affected communities. Lamola emphasized that the South African government does not support violence or discrimination against foreign nationals and pledged continued cooperation with Nigerian officials to calm tensions.
The crisis has revived painful memories of previous waves of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals from several African countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and Mozambique, have repeatedly been targeted during outbreaks of unrest over unemployment, crime, and economic hardship.
In 2019, Nigeria similarly evacuated hundreds of its citizens from South Africa following widespread xenophobic attacks that resulted in deaths, looting, and destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals. Analysts warn that the current tensions risk triggering another large-scale diplomatic crisis between both African nations if violence escalates further.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa to establish emergency response units to assist distressed citizens and coordinate evacuation efforts where necessary. Nigerians facing threats were also advised to immediately contact local security agencies and Nigerian consular officials for protection.
The renewed anti-foreigner protests come at a difficult economic period for South Africa, where unemployment, poverty, and social frustrations have fueled resentment toward migrants in some communities. However, human rights groups and regional observers have condemned the attacks, warning that blaming immigrants for economic problems could further destabilize social relations across the region.